Winter hiking
Provided the snow conditions are suitable, we'll prepare attractive, white winter hiking trails for you. However, because these are "natural" winter hiking trails, we advise that you wear good winter shoes. Outside conditions can change very quickly in the winter, which is why we are unable to guarantee the condition of the trails.
Brülisau–Brüeltobel–Plattenbödeli–Alp Soll–Ruhesitz–Brülisau
This winter hiking trail goes through a pristine landscape. From the valley station of the Brülisau–Hoher Kasten aerial cableway, head over the Brüeltobel to the Plattenbödeli mountain inn. The restaurant is closed from November to January, but is open on New Year's Eve. From February onwards the mountain inn is open every weekend. Continue over the beautifully situated Alp Soll to the Ruhesitz mountain inn. The mountain inn is always open on Thursdays after 11 a.m. until Sunday evening. Closed for the month of March. From Ruhesitz hike downhill to the starting point in Brülisau.
Tip: Hike in the recommended direction. At the Ruhesitz mountain inn you can rent sledges to take a final ride downhill to Brülisau.
Lehmen–Ahorn
Another beautiful winter hiking trail goes from Lehmen to Ahorn. This old pilgrimage trail is maintained by the Ahorn mountain inn, which is open every weekend from December to mid-April (holidays in February). An attraction along the way is the Leuenfall waterfall, which turns into a gigantic icicle when temperatures drop below freezing.
Appenzell–Weissbad–Schwende
This flat trail starts at the Brauereiplatz in Appenzell, going through a dreamy landscape along the Sitter river. It takes approximately 1½ hours to hike to Schwende. You can take the Appenzell Railways back or continue hiking along the circular trail via Unterrain to Appenzell.
Jakobsbad–Gonten–Gontenbad
The starting point is located next to the Jakobsbad train station. The hike goes over Unterschwarz and Neffenmoos to Gonten and from there over Som to Gontenbad. The valley station of the Kronberg aerial cableway is located in Jakobsbad. Inns in Gonten and an inn in Gontenbad are located along the trail. Since the Appenzell Railways go through the high valley to Gonten, there is also the option of taking the train instead of hiking on certain parts of the trail.
For detailed information, please contact the Tourist Information office in Appenzell,
Tel. +41 (0)71 788 96 41 or send an e-mail to info@appenzell.ch
